Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
JERE STEELE Obituary
Jere Steele passed onto love and serve the Lord on Monday, November 18, 2013 at Haven Hospice Care Center in Gainesville after a living a full and passionately purposeful life.
He was born on April 30, 1945 to the Reverend Clyde and Louise Steele. He attended the University of Toledo, and the College of Charleston. He graduated from the University of Florida, with a Masters of Education degree.
Jere was preceded in death by his father Clyde and his brother Ashley.
He is survived by his mother, Louise Steele of Toledo, OH, his wife Nancy Henry, sons Jere Steele and Tom Steele, stepdaughter Lisa Sutton, and stepson A.J. Henry.
Jere is a decorated Sergeant in Marine Corps, having been awarded two Purple Hearts while serving in Vietnam.
Jere worked in many fields over the years, having been a drill sargent, prison warden, restaurant owner/ chef, and author. He will be best remembered and loved for his career at PK Yonge, where he was a beloved teacher and recognized as one of the Christa McAuliffe "Teacher in Space" fellowship program participants.
Jere was also an avid athlete who enjoyed volleyball, golf and skiing. He also loved boating and sailing. As a longtime member of the Gainesville Cycling Club, he rode his bicycle enough miles to circumference the world three times. Most recently became a cancer kicking tri-athlete, participating in his third triathlon after being diagnosed with the terminal illness. He was an inspiration to his fellow G3 tri club members, and to all that knew him.
Most of all Jere loved adventure, and was the Papabear of the Adventure Club of Gainesville for many years. He enjoyed countless events including skydiving, hang-gliding, whitewater rafting, and lead many friends on adventures around the world. His example of living set a standard for all who knew him and he will be greatly missed by his students, family, and friends.
Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, November 23, 2013 at 10:30 A.M. at the Kanapaha Presbyterian Church, where he served as an elder, 6221 SW 75th Terrace Gainesville, FL 32608 (352) 378-9080. (On the corner of Archer Road and SW 75th Terrace). In lieu of flowers we ask that a teddy bear be donated so they can be given to the Ronald McDonald House after the service. Other monetary donations can be made directly to Kanapaha Presbyterian Church.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for JERE STEELE
Deborah (Goodman) Harrison
August 20, 2014
Please accept my condolences. Jere was a fun-loving, exuberant man. He tried to live life to its fullest. We both moved on after a time early in our lives. My sympathy to Nancy and both of his sons, as well as step-children.
December 10, 2013
Mr. Steele, you were an amazing teacher. I will always remember the field trip to Dudley Farm and Universal. I really enjoyed the story writing assignment we worked on all year, and then combined into a story book. I still look at it and smile about the best class during my 6th grade year. You will missed <3
Matt Davis
November 29, 2013
One of the best to do what he did, changed a lot of people's lifes... will truly be missed.
james lancaster
November 29, 2013
mr .steele was an awesome teacher one of the only teachers you really appreciate by the way he made my 6th grade year such a memory.miss u man
Caryl McKellar
November 23, 2013
Jere was a favorite teacher at PKY of my sons. They said he was the best. I was so happy to get to know him later through cycling - on GCC rides and just recently when he amazingly pedaled through the Endless Watermelon Ride. It was inspiring to see how he loved life.
Eric Lock
November 23, 2013
I never had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Steele but my sisters had him for their teacher. From what I used to hear them say, he was the greatest at getting his students excited about teaching!! To Lisa, keep your hand in Gods hand for your Father is in Heaven smiling looking down on you. Stay strong and hold on for weeping may endure for the night, but Joy will come in the morning... God Bless you and the entire family.
November 22, 2013
Jere you were an inspiration of how to live life. you are greatly missed. I feel blessed that our Paths crossed on this earth and will look forward to seeing you in Heaven one day :)
Kathleen Bastien
November 22, 2013
For all the years you helped all the Bastiens; a terrific teacher and so, so much more.
Linda Leclair
November 22, 2013
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
BRYAN LUCAS
November 22, 2013
JERE STEELE WAS MY FAVORITE TEACHER AT P.K.YONGE MIDDLE SCHOOL...I WILL MISS HIM GREATLY. HE WAS A WONDERFUL SOUL. GOD BLESS HIM AND HIS FAMILY
Jessica Dube
November 22, 2013
Mr. Steele was the one who inspired us all to take the road less traveled. His inspirational teaching methods have helped us Yonge-ins throughout our school years. One year at the school carnival, there was a pie throwing booth. Steele was at the time my older sister's teacher, and he had made it a game to tease me about when he would be my teacher, that I'd 'better watch out if I'm anything like my sister.' Anyways at the pie booth, I had taken my toss and never came close. The lady helping out handed me another one and I had gone past the line and just smashed it straight into his face. I caught him off guard and everyone laughed, even Mr. Steele. Years past and the pie was still our joke. The Year he was my teacher, on my birthday he had filled a pie pan full of whip cream and after class, had tried to get me but I darted just in the nick of time. He was more then a teacher, he had grown to be everyone's friend. I'll forever miss you.
Kwanza Caffie
November 22, 2013
Mr. Steele was the true definition of a TEACHER, his constant love and support of was felt by every student that he encountered. I will never forget the amazing things he did for me and my brother and the life lessons that I still hold on too to this day. I will truly miss him, but he will forever be in my heart. Thank you Mr. Steele for the smiles, and lessons. Rest In Peace!
Elaine Green
November 22, 2013
I have many fond memories of Jere, including his coaching of the Blue Wave volleyball team while I served as the official scorekeeper and his halloween parties. He was a beautiful Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz themed party.
Jere is missed my many.
My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Holly Prugh
November 22, 2013
Jere taught our children at PK. We're grateful to him for his enthusiasm, energy, and creativity.
Showing 1 - 14 of 14 results
Make a Donation
in JERE STEELE's name
Memorial Events
for JERE STEELE
How to support JERE's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor JERE STEELE's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
